SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. — Sheriff deputies have given an ‘all clear’ after a potential bomb threat that caused management to evacuate the Spotsylvania Towne Centre Saturday afternoon.
Officials said deputies responded to a bomb threat call at approximately 1:40 p.m. Saturday. Law enforcement officials conducted a sweep of the building with explosive detection K-9 units. Virginia State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security assisted in the search.
The search concluded with no explosives discovered and the Towne Centre was reopened by mall management at about 4:30 p.m.
“Our Deputies and K-9 teams train for these incidents on a regular basis and coordination between our state, local and federal partners is also rehearsed, in order to provide our citizens with the highest level of response, expertise and professionalism that they expect and deserve,” Sheriff Roger L. Harris said.
Spotsylvania Towne Centre released at statement on their Facebook page:
As of 4:15pm, Spotsylvania Towne Centre is back open for business. Earlier today, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff Department received a threat against Towne Centre. While such threats are usually unfounded, we decided to err on the side of safety for our guests, merchants and employees and evacuate the facility. After a thorough search of the complex, it was determined that the threat was merely a despicable hoax. We apologize to all who were inconvenienced during this incident. We also extend our sincere thanks to the law enforcement personnel from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff Department, Department of Homeland Security, Fredericksburg Police and Virginia State Police who acted so quickly and diligently.
The Sheriff’s Office investigation is ongoing.
